Sylvester Clark Smith (August 26, 1858 – January 26, 1913) was an American lawyer and politician. A Republican, he served four terms (1905–1913) as a U.S. Representative from California.

Biography

Smith was born near Mount Pleasant, Iowa on August 26, 1858, a son of Edward Smith and Celia (Shockley) Smith. He attended the district schools and Howe's Academy in Mount Pleasant, then taught school in Winfield, Iowa. He moved to California in 1879, where he farmed in addition teaching school in Colusa and Kern Counties. In 1882, Smith and one of his brothers traveled to Walla Walla, Washington. Upon returning to California in 1883, he began to study law in San Francisco. He continued his studies in Bakersfield in 1884, was admitted to the bar in 1885 and commenced practice in Bakersfield. In addition to his legal career, Smith was editor of the Kern County Echo newspaper. A Republican, Smith served in the California State Senate from 1895 to 1903. Among his legislative achievements was the bill establishing California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, enacted in 1901. In 1902, he was an unsuccessful candidate for nomination for the United States House of Representatives, losing the primary to Milton J. Daniels. In 1904, Daniels decided not to run again, and Smith won election to the U.S. House. He was re-elected three times, serving in the 59th and the three succeeding Congresses (March 4, 1905 until his death). By the spring of 1912, Smith was seriously ill with heart trouble, and he declined to seek another term in Congress. Smith died in Los Angeles, California, on January 26, 1913. He was interred at Union Cemetery in Bakersfield.

Family

On May 7, 1885, Smith married Maria Hart. They were the parents of two daughters, Eva and Dorrit.